Ten - Part 1

by Sin Ribbon

  “Guys, I’m sorry about last night,” he mumbles.

  “Please, I’m all right,” Sebastian responds. “I was terrified same as you when I saw him in the park the other day.”

  “You’re new to your powers, Madison. We get it,” Riya adds.

  Madison brightens with an apologetic smile, feeling unworthy but grateful for the support.

  Distracted, Orion pushes food around on her plate.

  “Orion?”

  “Hmm?” She shifts upright, meeting the concerned youth’s gaze. “Sorry, just thinking. Don’t worry, Mads. You’ll be prepared next time.”

  “And thankfully, we have Riya as a warning bell.” Sebastian pats her shoulder.

  “So it would seem.” The raven-haired woman sighs. “Terrifying as that dream was, it seems I can tell when one of these Fates is about to appear.”

  Madison perks up. “Then together, we’ll be fine.” Though unsure if he believes the words, the teen declares them anyway, hoping they’ll safeguard the future.

  Sensing his optimism, Riya looks to him with benevolent eyes. He feels the blood rushing to his face as she captivates him with her entrancing gaze. Her long, morning hair swoops to frame her face, showcasing her rebel-hearted confidence. Accentuated by her piercings and tattoos, her spirited personality radiates with a strength he longs to hone in himself.

  Realizing his eye contact is prolonged, he turns away with an abrupt yelp of embarrassment. Riya giggles, all too aware of his swooning.

  As if to answer his prayers, Orion perks up suddenly, spurring the others to do the same. Madison listens, then hears a stirring from her bedroom.

  The redhead rises to her feet. “I’ll check it out.”

  “Are you sure?” Sebastian presses. “Don’t you think I should go?”

  She lifts an eyebrow. “I don’t think the first thing he should see is that welt on your face. Let me break the news to him.”

  He purses his lips. “Point taken.”

  With a playful salute, Orion leaves the trio to their breakfast.

  ~ TWENTY-FOUR ~

  Orion

  The door squeaks open as a groggy Allister pushes himself upright. He swings his legs over the side of the bed and braces his arms to stabilize himself.

  Orion pushes the door closed behind her, leaning against it with hands tucked behind her back. “Do you remember anything?” Her voice is absent of its usual, cheerful cadence, replaced by quiet concern.

  “No.” The Brit takes a long breath. “What did I do?”

  “Well ... you punched your brother in the face.”

  He chuckles with a mix of shame and pride. “In my defense, that was a long time coming.”

  She smirks. “I think he owes you one now.”

  “That’s fair.”

  The redhead moves into the room and props herself on her dresser, facing the Brit with crossed arms. She kicks a wrinkled shirt away. The shriveled air mattress has been smashed into the corner while the floor remains littered with books, video games, and dirty clothes.

  Allister’s rueful smile quickly fades. “What else did I do?”

  “You ... Riya caught you leaning out the window, heaving that black cloud into the city, and there’re reports of people in the hospital, coughing up black stuff too.”

  He wipes his hands over his face. “Anyone dead?”

  “No. Doctors say they’ll be fine.”

  He nods weakly. “Then I should probably go.”

  “Are you an idiot? Madison is the only one who can keep you under control. You’re safer here. We all are.”

  “Still ... Don’t think I deserve to be here. Seems like the kid isn’t foolproof if I can get a punch in.”

  Orion takes a seat on the floor in front of Allister, crisscrossing her legs. She looks up into his sky blue eyes and sees the worn expression of a fallen man. His confidence, his wit, his strength all seem hollow.

  “He’s all we’ve got, and ...” she trails off.

  “And what?”

  She runs her tongue between her teeth, biting it to alleviate stress. “If someone as tough as you can’t stop this, then I dunno what other hope we have.”

  His face softens, complimented as well as conflicted. “Sorry to disappoint you. Truly, I am. Pains me to see such an exuberant woman become so somber ... and because of me.”

  She blanks. “Such a what woman?”

  “Enthusiastic. Lively. Sorry, vocabulary’s a bit of a game my brother and I have going.”

  She reaches up and flicks the tip of his nose. “I know what it means. Just ... never heard someone talk about me like that.”

  He half-smirks. “Then they’ve missed an opportunity.”

  She musters a laugh through her trepidation. “So you’re staying then, right? ‘Cause last night was the most fun I’ve had in years. All of us together—I don’t wanna lose that just yet.” She smiles, eyes glistening with the seedlings of tears.

  Allister furrows his brow, clearly surprised by her vulnerability. “Yeah, I haven’t seen Sebo smile like that in ages. Finally get him away from dad’s obstinate influence, and he shines with all the joy of a free spirit.”

  “You’re quite the poet.”

  “Ah, well ...” He traces his thumb over the words on his forearm, with agony, but strong. “Private school all my life. Also studied literature a bit at university.”

  Orion notices the text and points. “What’s that?”

  “A phrase that I wanted to always be a part of me. It’s a reminder that pain and suffering are teachers, and strength is the reward. Applies to lifting weights as much as life.”

  The redhead scoots closer to grab his arm, inspecting the words. “Good reminder.”

  “It is, though I’m not sure how to apply that wisdom now. I’ve got no control over myself. I’m turning into a monster.” The words choke in his throat as his eyes begin to water. “I hit my own fucking brother. How long before I hurt you or one of those kids out there? This black mist may not stop at coughing, and those people in hospital ... How the fuck am I—”

  Before he can speak another word, Orion’s lips meet his. Her hands reach to touch the sides of his face, pulling him closer. After an intense moment, she withdraws, and her emerald eyes meet his distinctive blue.

  The Brit stares, wide-eyed but far from discouraged. “Where did that come from? Not that I’m complaining.”

  She giggles, mockingly coy. “I may have heard you had a little crush on me.”

  He chuckles, somewhat embarrassed, but captures her gaze with a deep sincerity. “You seem like a fire that never goes out. That glamour of confidence and spontaneity, it’s alluring.”

  The redhead bites her lip, savoring her heart’s quickening pace.

  “But I’m surprised. Didn’t think you fancied me.”

  “The gorgeous face and bod I can withstand, but the accent? You’ve got the trifecta. No vagina is that ironclad.”

  He busts into unexpected laughter, his mountain of worries dissipating as he pulls her in for another kiss. With a proud grin, she eagerly reciprocates.

  ~ TWENTY-FIVE ~

  Allister

  They scurry, short bursts halted by motionless intervals. Waiting. Then one is snatched. The cricket wriggles for freedom, but Scorpio’s slick, black claws squeeze it into submission. Her large mandibles crush the insect and pull its body into her eager jowls.

  “No, dad ... I said no.” Allister barks over the phone. The few words he does get in are between exasperated groans.

  He turns his attention towards Orion to distract himself from the reprimand. The redhead smiles as she observes her beloved emperor scorpion. Two more crickets seek asylum in the arachnid’s glass terrarium, but the Brit knows their days are numbered.

  “He doesn’t want to go back now ... No, because if you do, you’ll guilt his sorry arse into coming back.”

  Orion turns to him, eyes remorseful to his plight. He attempts to reassure her with a wave of his hand, but hi
s hardened expression does little to convince her.

  “Only if you give him the chance to speak for himself ... Fine.” Allister hangs up and tosses his phone on the couch. He crashes beside it and stuffs his face into a throw pillow to release his frustrations.

  The redhead cocks her hip to the side. “That bad, huh?”

  “Like you wouldn’t believe, but old sod agreed to let Sebo have his say. Don’t trust it for a moment, but suppose it’s the best I can hope for.” His voice muffles through the pillow.

  She moves to have a seat beside him. “I mean, you’re both adults. What’s the worst he can do?”

  Allister rolls over to meet the redhead’s green eyes. “Dad can be very persuasive. He’s got the money and the means. Wouldn’t be hard for him to make our lives a living hell.” He pushes himself upright and rubs his forehead. “Sebo’s the one he wants. Doesn’t give a rat’s arse if I go back.”

  Her expression deflates. “Seems we have a few things in common.”

  He boasts a sarcastic chuckle as he massages his temples. “Tough family life?”

  “Older brother and sister. Mom and dad. Don’t think any of one them ever told me they loved me. Not so much as a Christmas card since I left at the ripe ole age of eighteen.”

  Allister wraps his arms around Orion’s waist, leaning in to rest his chin on her shoulder. “I’m sorry. I know how that is, but damn if they couldn’t put out your fire.”

  He feels her body shiver in his embrace as goosebumps emerge along her forearms. She turns to him, matching his gaze with a seductive look. “Careful. You might get burned.”

  “I hope so.” As he pulls her in, the front door swings open to usher a frantic Sebastian into the living room.

  “Oh, for Christ’s sake!” The young Brit throws up his arms. “We’re not in America two minutes, and you’re already chatting up some poor girl?! Orion, please tell me you haven’t given him the time of day.”

  Allister gives Sebastian a mocking salute as he flops against the couch cushions. “And when you’ve got yourself a girl, I’ll be sure to barge in and embarrass you just the same.”

  “Hey!” Orion jumps to her feet, coming within inches of Sebastian’s face to flaunt her extra height. “You’re making a lot of assumptions here. I ... we’re ...” She crosses her arms and shoots Allister a conflicted expression.

  The elder Brit interlocks his hands behind his head, showcasing the finely tuned muscles in his arms. He raises his eyebrows with wry, confident expectation.

  “I haven’t decided yet!” The redhead marches into the kitchen, leaving a victorious Allister to deal with his brother.

  “Allister.” Sebastian sighs. “Dad’s been phoning me nonstop. Texts. Emails. I-I’m too afraid to answer. He’s furious.”

  “I know. I spoke with him. Furious is an understatement, but I convinced him to hear you out before he makes any permanent decisions.”

  “Hear me out? Jesus, what am I supposed to say?”

  Allister shoves over to make room. The young Brit rounds the coffee table and collapses next to his brother. His face dances between various expressions with worry at the root of all them.

  “With all that’s happened, I can’t leave. What’s happening to you, the others, and Riya, I couldn’t—”

  “I know, Sebo.” Allister pats his brother’s back.

  He scoffs. “Dad would have me committed, but what do I say if I can’t tell him the truth?”

  The elder Brit takes a long inhale. “Be upfront about what you want. If you don’t stand up for yourself now, you’ll be taking his shit for the rest of your life.”

  “Allister, you know it’s not that easy. Dad’s more than a businessman. All those diplomat friends of his—it would reflect badly if we didn’t come home, and you know he’d never tolerate that. He practically banished you from the house after you got tattooed.”

  “So what then? Bow to his whims?”

  “No! I just ... I don’t know.” He presses his palms into his forehead, fighting for a steady breath. “I’d feel better making something up. Tell him I’m scouting universities to further my education or that I found a girl and want to see where it goes. Something.”

  The blond sighs. “Then do that.” Allister climbs to his feet and heads into the kitchen.

  There, Orion stands propped against the counter with a bottle of water in her hand. “Family sure is a kick in the balls.”

  He chuckles as he grabs one of his protein shakes from the fridge. “You said it, love.”

  “I say whatever gets the old man off your backs in the meantime is enough, least until we figure this shit out.”

  “You’ve got a point, but Sebo needs this. If he puts everyone’s needs before his own for the sake of diplomacy, he’ll grow up hating himself. He needs a spine, you know?”

  “Agreed, but you can’t force that on someone. He’s gotta find his own way. Plus, I like that he’s a sweetie. Can only tolerate so many stubborn assholes in my house.” She teases him with a sultry glance before striding to her bedroom. “I’ll be in my office!” The words end with the clip of a closing door.

  Allister returns to the living room, leaning against the dividing wall as a conflicted Sebastian weighs his options. “Where’s your girl, anyway?”

  “She and Madison went on to the park. I decided to come back after coffee when I saw dad’s messages.” He pauses, contemplating. “Going to head up to the roof to think.”

  Allister moves to catch up with Sebastian as he approaches the door. “You’ll do fine, Sebo.”

  He feigns a laugh. “We’ll see.”

  Before the blond can offer more encouragement, his younger brother is out the door. Allister plops back on the couch and grabs his mobile, hoping to occupy his thoughts.

  The sudden absence of sound rings his ears for a moment. He tenses and decides to check the local news on his phone. He scrolls. Stops.

  Pittsburgh resident, Forrest Milburn (47), died this morning after contracting a mysterious illness. Milburn was one of several admitted to the hospital earlier this week after an unknown disease afflicted nearly a dozen citizens with vomiting, fever, and other flu-like symptoms. Although doctors believed those affected would make a full recovery, complications arose for Milburn due to residual pneumonia ...

  The text trembles from his shaking hand. He can’t read anymore.

  Allister stands. His eyes dart around the room, as if some escape might make itself known to him. He gasps for air, breath quickening. The phone bounces on the floor as he drags his fingers through his air.

  He inhales, then explodes with a scream so loud even the hate boiling in his belly might be chased away.

  ~ TWENTY-SIX ~

  Sebastian

  The young Brit casts his eyes skyward. April’s stubborn, grey clouds cling to the sky, dreading May’s ingress. A brisk gust of wind kisses his exposed skin.

  Sebastian thumps his head against the door a couple times before venturing onto the small plateau of cement at the top of Thane and Orion’s apartment building. His phone buzzes in his pocket again, and he begrudgingly takes it out to check.

  A text. “Expecting your call soon.”

  He winces, picturing his father’s stern gaze. As he tucks the device away, he notices a familiar silhouette sitting on a wooden box several feet away.

  “Thane?”

  The dark-haired man hunches over with elbows propped on his knees. He shifts, ears perking at the call of his name. “What?”

  “Sorry, didn’t know you were up here.”

  “It’s fine.”

  Curious, Sebastian waltzes over and notices a book in Thane’s hands. The man’s dark eyes dart from one line to the next in rapid succession.

  The Brit takes a moment to scan the area, wondering if he missed anyone else on the rooftop. “Mind if I sit?”

  “Do whatever.”

  Sebastian rounds the crate to take a seat. “What are you reading?”

  Thane lifts the bo
ok so Sebastian can read the cover. The Old Man and the Sea.

  “Hemingway? Read The Sun Also Rises in school but not too familiar with his other works.”

  He glances at Sebastian. “I’ve read all of them.” His flat tone discourages further inquiries, but the Brit’s too distracted to adhere to etiquette.

  “So ... what do you like so much about them?”

  “His minimalistic writing style. The suggestion of something deeper underneath.” He closes the book, eyeing the Brit sharply. “How long is this line of questioning going to continue?”

  Sebastian shrinks. “Sorry, just ... seeking wisdom, I suppose.”

  Thane lifts an eyebrow.

  “Issues with my dad. He wants us to go back to London. Stubborn bastard on a mountain of wealth and power, and I’m the precious heir to his empire.”

  “And you’re afraid to talk to him.”

  Sebastian lowers his head, reflective. “Yes.”

  “Man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”

  Surprised, the Brit looks up to meet Thane’s dark eyes.

  “It’s from the book. You wanted wisdom, didn’t you?” Thane pulls his shoulders back to stretch. “No one’s going to have magic words for you. But it’s your life. You choose how to react and how to move forward. The only power he has is what you give him.”

  Sebastian feels a small smile emerging. “Thank you. That’s quite insightful. Do you ... speak from personal experience?”

  He flips open his book, disengaging. “If you’re asking if I had an overbearing father, then no.”

  “What about an arsehole brother?”

  A twitch. Thane’s shoulders swell up to his neck. “... No.”

  The Brit tightens his lips. He searches for the words, anything that could numb the sting of his apparent faux pas. “... Maybe if you found out how to live in it, you learned from that what is was all about.”

  The dark-haired man freezes, the familiar phrase calling his focus inward.